I just purchased a 1998 TJ Wrangler. There is power steering leaking @ and dripping off the pitman arm. is there a seal that can be replaced? Is the arm a pian to get off once nut is removed?

 

Steering box on my 2002TJ had a leak last July (07), even the dealer said was too much a pain in the @#$ to change seals and couldnt put guarantee on it afterward, so installed a rebuilt unit. Good thing for warranty, cuz it started leaking too 2 weeks ago. They couldnt use off-roading damage to it cuz I have a Warn Skid Plate on it.

 

If you have a good mechanic he can put a seal kit in.
My 1998 TJ was pouring out PS fluid.
Seal kit install stopped it.
Just my experience.

 

i had the same problem, seal kit did it good for me

 

Mine is a 2000 TJ steering gear leak @ 120k.
Replaced steering gear because you have to remove it to do seal kit anyway.

 

That's the idea behind a kit. Instead of replacing a perfectly good component, you maintain it. Most mechanical assemblies will last almost forever with regular overhauls that include replacing seals and other parts that tend to wear dowm with use.

This strategy could save you a lot of money, but if you want to replace every assembly that'll eventually start to leak, who am I to argue. I wish I had your cash.

 

Whatever works
Do it once, do it right.
Now I'm good to 240km +
With warranty on part
Time for an alignment any way

 

Truggy:

When I bought my 98TJ this summer, it was leaking power steering fluid from the same place as yours. It was leaking badly enough that I had to top up the PS fluid after about every seconf fill up or my PS pump would start to whine.

I was getting fed up with the mess on my driveway but didn't have time/motivation to change the seals right then, so I used some Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak. That was around the beginnning of September, and it hasn't leaked a drop since.

I know I'll have to eventually do the right thing and change the seals, but as an interim measure, you might consider the Lucas.